M365 Companion Apps to Be on by Default in Windows 11

Organizations should preview the Microsoft 365 Calendar, File Search, and People companion apps for Windows 11 and block installs where they could cause problems, such as desktops that don’t have Teams. With the companion apps, users can quickly check their calendar, search for files, or look up and call other users without switching away from their current app. (See accompanying screen shot.) However, the apps could be intrusive (for example, on PCs in call centers), and they will lose features or signal errors on desktops that lack Teams. Furthermore, they automatically install and place themselves in the taskbar of every eligible user of Microsoft 365 Apps. Administrators can prevent this behavior with Microsoft 365 Cloud Policy (not Group Policy). But after the apps are installed, administrators will have to remove them with Intune or a similar tool. The companion apps will be generally available in Aug. 2025 according to Microsoft’s roadmap page (updated Aug. 11, 2025). They are currently installing on test devices through the Microsoft 365 Apps Beta Channel and the Current Channel (Preview). Further information for IT staff is at “Overview of Microsoft 365 companion apps,” and for end users at “Introducing new productivity apps People and File Search” (both from Microsoft).